U2 And The First Fax Machine They Used To Send Lyrics Between Continents

April 3, 2025

In the early 1980s, when the world was still wrapped in the glow of neon lights and the beat of rock and roll, U2 was just starting to carve out their place in music history. The band, consisting of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., dreamt of creating songs that would resonate with people all over the globe. But being a young band in Ireland meant they faced many challenges, especially when it came to getting their music heard. At that time, they relied on traditional means of communication, but the arrival of a new invention would change everything—a fax machine.

The story goes that one day, while touring in America, Bono had a flash of inspiration for a new song. He could already hear the soaring lyrics and the powerful melodies in his head, but he needed to share them quickly with his bandmates back in Dublin. The solution came in the form of a fax machine, which had recently become popular. This device, which looked like a bulky old typewriter, allowed them to send written messages over telephone lines in a matter of seconds. Filled with excitement, Bono jotted down his lyrics and sent them off across the ocean, trusting that his bandmates would feel the passion behind his words.

When the fax arrived at the band’s Dublin headquarters, it was met with a mix of curiosity and disbelief. The members gathered around the machine as the paper slowly unfurled, revealing the handwritten lyrics that Bono had sent. It was a moment of magic: they could almost hear the music swelling in the air as the words took shape. This marked a pivotal moment in their creative process; from that day forward, this quirky machine became an essential tool in their songwriting arsenal, binding them together even when they were worlds apart. The distance no longer felt so far, and the music continued to flow.

As U2’s fame grew, so did their reliance on technology to bring their ideas to life. The band began sending lyrical drafts back and forth across continents, all thanks to that humble fax machine. The arduous process of crafting songs was transformed; they could collaborate more easily and quickly, unveiling tracks that spoke to the struggles and hopes of countless fans. Each time a new song emerged, it was like a seed of inspiration that took root in the hearts of listeners around the world.

Years later, as U2 climbed the heights of fame, they would reflect on those early days with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. The fax machine had not just been a tool; it was a symbol of their resilience and the passion they shared for music. They had learned that, no matter how far apart they were, their creativity could bridge any distance. Each song they crafted was a testament to their bond and their unyielding belief in the power of connection through music.

Looking back, Bono often said that sending those faxes was more than just exchanging lyrics; it was about sharing dreams and emotions that transcended borders. The humble fax machine may have seemed ordinary, but for U2, it was a reminder that with perseverance and innovation, they could turn their dreams into a reality—creating melodies that would inspire generations to come. In a world that seemed ever more divided, their journey illustrated that music had the power to unite us all, one lyric at a time.